Page 94 of Lady of Misrule

“But your heart is loyal, of course it is. Only you must not cling to a sinking ship, and let yourself be drowned out of loyalty to others.”

“You speak as if the outcome is assured.”

“I have no idea about the outcome of the court, but I do understand that Henry will have his wish no matter what. It is just a question of how he makes it legal. I have seen enough of him to be certain of this.”

Thomasin sighed. “The poor queen.”

“Yes, the poor queen, but you may still serve other mistresses, Thomasin, in time, or be mistress yourself one day.”

She looked at him in surprise, but he only grinned back. “None of us can be certain of our futures, only the present moment. Nothing is guaranteed.”

“This is not romantic talk, Rafe!”

He laughed and grabbed her hands. “But I can assure you that right now, the one thing I want in my future, above all else, is you, Thomasin Marwood.”

The words crept over her like warmth. “You are sure?”

“Surer than sure. Here.”

He reached into his doublet and pulled out a small, triangular piece of gold, an aiglet, used to secure the end of a ribbon. It was carved in stripes and circles. It was light and cold in her hand.

“It’s not much, it’s not a ring or anything like, but it is a token. Keep it and think of me until we meet again.”

Thomasin closed her hand over it. “I will. I will keep it on me at all times, until I can see you again.”

Rafe leaned forward and gently kissed her lips. To Thomasin, they felt like different people than the pair who had first met over a year ago, kissing in passion and haste. This was more measured, deliberate, thoughtful.

“Thomasin!”

Ellen was waving from the doorway.

“The queen expects me,” Thomasin explained to Rafe. “I am to sit with Princess Mary on the return journey. It is part of my mission to keep her safe.”

“There could be no one better,’ Rafe said.’ Come, I will walk you to the door.”

Above them, the robin burst into song, filling the air with sweet notes as they crossed the yard, paused to kiss again, then disappeared inside the palace.

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